Information
Landmark: Shkodër LakeCity: Shkoder
Country: Albania
Continent: Europe
Shkodër Lake, Shkoder, Albania, Europe
Overview
Shkodër Lake (Liqeni i Shkodrës), or Lake Scutari, is the Balkans’ largest lake, stretching across the Albania–Montenegro border where reeds sway in the breeze.This remarkable landmark bursts with life-rare orchids cling to mossy cliffs, bright birds flash through the trees-and it’s celebrated for its ecological importance, rich biodiversity, and sweeping scenery.At the lake, you can paddle along quiet coves, stretch out in the sun, or meet locals who share stories as the scent of pine drifts on the breeze.Shkodër Lake stretches across 370 to 530 square kilometers, its size shifting with the seasons and water levels.About two-thirds lies in Montenegro, with the rest in Albania.On average, the water is six meters deep, though in some spots it plunges to 44 meters, a cool, shadowy blue below the surface.The Morača River feeds it from Montenegro, and the Buna River carries its waters to the Adriatic.Around the lake, green hills rise over wetlands and small, timeworn villages.It’s a sanctuary for more than 270 bird species, from the rare Dalmatian pelican to the nimble pygmy cormorant, and home to over 50 kinds of fish, many found nowhere else.Montenegro protects its share within Lake Skadar National Park; Albania safeguards its part as a Managed Nature Reserve.For centuries, the lake has shaped life here, sustaining fishing, farming, and trade.Traces of Illyrian and Roman settlements still linger, and its waters remain at the heart of local tradition.Fishing-especially for carp, eel, or even the silvery bleak-still plays a vital role here, while centuries-old legends ripple through the lake’s history and give it a distinct charm.Whether you love hiking under pine-scented trails, exploring the past, or simply want a quiet place to breathe, the lake has something for you.Sitting just a short drive from Shkodër, it’s an easy stop that adds depth and color to any trip through northern Albania.
